What’s in Your Hands?
Recently, I started a conversation with a woman named Julie. The topic inevitably turned to what we both do for a living, which is always fun for me. I find it interesting to try to succinctly explain how I guide grocers to digital success through my family-owned business, Webstop. When I talk about my work, I’m typically met with a glazed-over expression that indicates I may have just spoken in a foreign language – which is fascinating, since so many people regularly use the very technology that Webstop provides.
Julie was interested in hearing more. Her grandfather used to own a small grocery store when she was a kid. (Hey, if someone wants to talk about digital grocery offerings, I seize the moment.) I shared with her about the ease in which we place digital circulars, coupons, shopping lists, recipes, and more directly into the hands of consumers. She kept asking questions, so I kept talking. I even took out my phone at one point and showed her some of my favorite digital features.
In a moment of utter nostalgia, Julie’s face lit up. She laughed as she said, “When I was a kid, I remember my mother going up and down the aisles of grandpa’s grocery store. In her hand, she held a little red device with white buttons. As she put things in her cart she clicked the buttons and could see a running total of what she was spending in the store. Times have changed, and yet, my mom still holds a red device in her hand as she walks through the aisles of the supermarket. Now it’s her smartphone and she’s tapping on coupons and sale items as she goes.”
We’ve come a long way since little red money clickers. It’s no surprise that technology is becoming increasingly necessary for competitive shopping. We are living in a time when many of our transactions are performed on smartphones or tablets. According to a recent study by Pew Research, 77% of people now own a smartphone and that number is only going to get higher.
At Webstop, we give grocers the ability to have a substantial online and mobile presence that will ultimately draw more customers into their stores. Not only that, we keep their brand top-of-mind and enable them to closely examine current shopping trends. In short, we help ensure that the products going onto our grocers’ shelves don’t stay there.
As Julie and I closed our conversation, she shook my hand and thanked me for sharing Webstop with her. “I wish my grandfather would have had someone like you partnering with him,” she said. “It’s hard for smaller grocers to keep up with this changing world of technology. I’m sure your customers are grateful to have you on their side.”
I sincerely hope so, Julie. We love our customers and treat them like they are part of our family. We always strive to stay one step ahead of the ever-evolving shopping trends and move them toward greater success.
In need of digital marketing tools for your grocery store? We’d love to hear from you! Visit us at www.webstop.com or call us at 727.942.2797